Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is known for his diverse interests, including a fascination with ancient Rome. On Wednesday, he wore a shirt that embodied his ambitions as his company introduced what he termed the best glasses in the world.
What does the phrase mean?
During Meta’s annual Connect event in Menlo Park, California, Zuckerberg sported a custom T-shirt featuring the Latin phrase “aut Zuck aut nihil,” which translates to “all Zuck or nothing,” while unveiling the first working prototype of Meta’s augmented-reality glasses.
This phrase is a variation of “aut Caesar aut nihil,” meaning “either a Caesar or nothing,” or more simply “all or nothing.
The expression, which signifies lofty aspirations, was a personal motto of the Italian Renaissance Prince Cesare Borgia and may have even originated with Julius Caesar, according to some historians.
Mark Zuckerberg’s interest in Roman history
The Roman Empire has long captivated Zuckerberg. August and Aurelia, his two children, are named for the emperors Augustus and Marcus Aurelius, after the two men who spent their honeymoon in Rome.
Earlier this year, on his 40th birthday, Zuckerberg shared photos on social media wearing a T-shirt that said “Carthago delenda est,” meaning “Carthage must be destroyed,” referencing Rome’s historic rival.
Zuckerberg’s latest fashion choice comes as Meta Platforms strives to overcome previous setbacks in the tech industry and develop augmented-reality devices that resonate with the general public.
About Orion AR Glasses:
Although Meta’s new Orion AR glasses are not yet available to the public and are primarily intended for internal testing, they embody Zuckerberg’s vision for products that merge the virtual and real worlds.
On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg stated, “The way to think about AR glasses is as a time machine.” “They are real, amazing, and a window into a future that promises to be quite fascinating,” the speaker said.